House of Prime Rib, San Francisco

My partner and I went here a couple weeks back to celebrate our anniversary. What a strange place to find in San Fran...food was ok, but the atmosphere and patrons really made for an interesting show. From the family bedecked in sweatpants to the gang banger with gold chains paying off the host, it really was an experience that we'll not soon forget. The vibe is distinctly NOT bay area, but more like a cheesy buffet from Reno or maybe somewhere off the strip in Vegas... And, like the other reviewers...what's the point of a reservation when you're seated 30 minutes past it?! Go to Ruth's Chris instead...sure, it's more $$$ but the service and patronage is more appetizing.

The food is decent if you like Prime Rib, but the service is the worst. The people are rude and reservations at 8 apparently mean you are seated at 9. The bathrooms are acient and gross, the rooms are too hot for comfort and the waitstaff is impatient and arrogant...I'd recommend Izzys for a better experience and better food.

The prime rib was good, but not happy with the salmon. We didn't have a good experience with the quality of the salmon. Be careful.

Had our second visit in the past year to the House of Prime Rib this past weekend. It was just as good as the first. Extraordinary prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and the starter salad. I have seen other reviews talking about the noise. It is clearly not for a quiet, tender moment, but it never claimed to be. It's a great place to go for a GREAT meal and a great time. Wonderful wine list.... and killer Manhattans, too!

If you didn't care much about that artherosclerotic plaque forming as quickly as that track home on a contractors lot, then these steaks are for you. My steak was probably composed of 80% fat (but that was just the meaty portion) and was cooked slightly pink--just the way I like my steaks. But somehow, I tasted mostly the rendering of fat rather than that deep rich flavor that the marrow can produce. Nevertheless, it was good. The sides are not any healthier for you and if you like the taste of butter and cream, then you'd like it. The food is simple, and not meant for the discriminatory palate. I'd pass on the spinach because it tastes nothing like spinach, and all that cream negates any sort of health benifits. So, just go for the mashed potatoes which are adequately done. In any case, if you have a vegetarian in the group, tell him to leave. We're here for prime rib, buddy. The service is hit or miss. When it is particularly busy, expect the worst. The second time I went was for a birthday party (which for some reason was the case for many other people) the bread and water didn't come until after the third server came by and saw how frustrated our group looked. I don't imagine the restaurant lacks any funds to hire waiters since they charge quite a bit for pretty basic stuff (my family was in the restaurant biz). I just wish that the experience could've been better. Our waiter was friendly enough, but somehow we just felt like, well, cattle for the most part. I've been there three times (all because I was meeting up for friends) but can definiitely say that each time made at least one of us frustrated and stressed out. I suggest they serve you a free beverage while you wait--like at least a soda or beer from the tap, and some bread. It'd certainly make me feel better about waiting 45 minutes--after all we are there to eat! I'd try to avoid this place if you just want to have a relaxing meal. However, if you just yearn to get that polaroid of yourself in a state of food coma, then by all means go. It'll remind you how fulfilling the steaks were. It's just that they were smart not to take your pictures upon arrival.

My mouth is watering! I can't wait to eat here again!

The service is absolutely aweful. The host at the restuarant is rude. Plus even though you make reservations, you end up waiting at least another 1/2 or 45 minutes before you are seated. Once you are seated, you are in heaven. The food is so good. One of the best steak houses. They also give you so much food!

Up until Jan 2005, this was my favorite resturant. We waited 30 minutes past our reservation time to be seated. Our waiter was terrible - very unattentive. They stuck us at this table that was obviously put right in a walkway becuase they had overbooked. I was repeatedly knocked in the head by passerby's. Overall we were treated terribly from the moment we walked in the door. The only positive part of the evening was the food on my plate. Sadly, they have lost my business after 15 years.

I have been here several times when I am in the Bay Area! Don't go to this place if you don't have a reservation! Serious! We waited 4 1/2 hours one time with no reservations! Another time with resv, we still had to wait another 45-50 mins before being seated! I don't think I will go there again! It is not worth the wait!

I agree that this place is fantastic if you desire Prime Rib. Not so sure I'd consider it a steak house though, maybe a seperate category of its owm?